Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Update

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In accordance with Section 26(9) of the Planning Act, the Township is required to review and amend its Comprehensive Zoning By-law within three years of an updated Official Plan coming into effect to ensure it conforms with the updated Official Plan. The District of Muskoka approved the Township’s new Official Plan on November 20, 2023.

The purpose of the Township’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law is to implement the policies of the Official Plan for the District of Muskoka and the Township’s Official Plan. Official Plans are general documents that are not intended to regulate every aspect of built-form on a private lot. In the Province of Ontario, this is the role of a zoning by-law. The statutory authority to zone land is granted by the Planning Act. The Planning Act specifies what a zoning by-law can regulate. Nick McDonald of Meridian Planning Consultants Inc. and Donna Hinde of the Planning Partnership have been retained by the Township to to provide professional services to prepare the update. The Project Lead will be the Township’s Manager of Planning. A Project Steering Committee will provide initial feedback and guidance to the Township’s Planning Committee. Final approval of the updated Comprehensive Zoning By-law will be by Township Council. The anticipated project end-date is February 2026.

In accordance with Section 26(9) of the Planning Act, the Township is required to review and amend its Comprehensive Zoning By-law within three years of an updated Official Plan coming into effect to ensure it conforms with the updated Official Plan. The District of Muskoka approved the Township’s new Official Plan on November 20, 2023.

The purpose of the Township’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law is to implement the policies of the Official Plan for the District of Muskoka and the Township’s Official Plan. Official Plans are general documents that are not intended to regulate every aspect of built-form on a private lot. In the Province of Ontario, this is the role of a zoning by-law. The statutory authority to zone land is granted by the Planning Act. The Planning Act specifies what a zoning by-law can regulate. Nick McDonald of Meridian Planning Consultants Inc. and Donna Hinde of the Planning Partnership have been retained by the Township to to provide professional services to prepare the update. The Project Lead will be the Township’s Manager of Planning. A Project Steering Committee will provide initial feedback and guidance to the Township’s Planning Committee. Final approval of the updated Comprehensive Zoning By-law will be by Township Council. The anticipated project end-date is February 2026.

  • Waterfront Area Zoning Open House – You’re Invited!

    Join us for an in-person Open House to learn more about the Township’s new Official Plan and share your thoughts on proposed zoning updates for waterfront properties in Muskoka Lakes.

    Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
    Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    Location: Port Carling Community Centre (3 Bailey St)

    This session is part of the Township’s ongoing Comprehensive Zoning By-law Update, with a focus on key considerations for the Waterfront Area. 

    Topics will include:

    • Boathouse design and placement
    • Sport courts and recreational surfaces
    • Accessory buildings
    • Hot tub location and standards
    • And more!


    What to expect:

    • The session will begin with a short presentation to walk you through the key zoning topics for consideration
    • Table group discussions on questions posed by the team
    • During the table group discussions members of Township staff and the consultants are available to answer questions and discuss any aspect of the key issues being considered. 
    • Light snacks and refreshments will be provided


    Your feedback will help shape the future of zoning regulations along Muskoka’s shorelines. No registration required – all are welcome.

    Before attending, we encourage you to review the Consultation Guide to explore the options being considered. We also welcome your thoughts on other waterfront related zoning issues not identified in the Consultation Guide. 

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Page last updated: 03 Jul 2025, 05:06 PM